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[Kristin Meredith]

This is the time of year that I start experimenting with dessert recipes for competitions which may or may not be entered in the summer and fall  We may go to Fredericksburg in May or, if the AR is in late Sept/early Oct be there.  So I thought I would get some feed back.

For any CBJs out there, you know what it is like to have judged 4 meats and then be presented with desserts.  But for others, a little explanation.  You need to imagine that you have consumed a pretty fair amount of bbq and no sides or bread.  You have taken one or two bites from 6 pieces of chicken, then six to 12 bites from pork ribs, then 6 to 12 mouthfuls of pork butt/shoulder, and finally 6 to 12 bites of brisket.  Most people are pretty full.  The flavor profiles can be all over the place -- some sweet, some vinegary, some hot, some tomatoey, some perfect.  I think any judge will tell you that you are pretty full right now.

You are given about a half hour break and now 4 to 6 desserts are brought in for you to taste and judge.  Hopefully you can imagine this.  Just think about the last time you really pigged out on a lot of cue -- it can be a little heavy in the stomach and on the palate.

So, I try to look for desserts that might stand out for those in a food coma.  I have done well with chocolate desserts and cheesecakes, not so well with anything fruit based.  But I am now thinking of going more tangy/sour.  I saw a recipe on America's Test Kitchen for Sour Orange Pie and I am cooking one today for a family dinner tomorrow.  So won't have any feedback to share on the pie until later.  Given what the TV show said, it should be in the vein of a key lime pie, only they claimed much better.

So, I would like to know, if you were eating all that cue, would you prefer a chocolate taste, a cheesecake smoothness, or a tangy taste?  Or maybe something else?

[Rydes84]

Of the 2 contests I judged that had deserts, The tangy/citrus based deserts stood out the most. One was a mini key lime pie that that looked beautiful and also had that "refreshing" quality to it. 

[Free Mr. Tony]

I like citrus, but know alot of people who don't. They would rather have chocolate either way. Maybe a lighter chocolate dessert?

Seems citrus would do better in the spring as people are craving summer. If in autumn, I would maybe go a different route.

[triplebq]

So, I would like to know, if you were eating all that cue, would you prefer a chocolate taste, a cheesecake smoothness, or a tangy taste?  Or maybe something else?

One of the cook teams I know always turn in cheesecake. It's a big winner for them.

[Jcorwin818]

As a competitor I would like to see desserts done away with, it is a BBQ Contest and should not include desserts. JMO

[triplebq]

As a competitor I would like to see desserts done away with, it is a BBQ Contest and should not include desserts. JMO

The good thing is in KCBS it doesn't count towards the "normal" competition. They desert category is optional. So if a team doesn't want to do desert they can stick with the traditional 4 meats.

[Michael_NW]

Boy Kristin, that's tough. If I had pigged out on that much Q (like THAT ever happens!) and my palate has been overloaded with all that spice and richness, I would be up for something lighter and refreshing. Citrus would be wonderful, and I'm always ready for a piece of Key Lime Pie, but maybe something in a different direction might work, too. Have you thought about some type of mint dessert? Like a grasshopper pie, or a mint-lemon cake? A cake could be made either rich and heavy or refreshing and light depending on your desire.

[scooter]

I've judged many dessert categories after the four meats and after all that heavy meat the best desserts are creamy citrus desserts that are light and refreshing! Lemon or lime cheesecakes or cream pies are great but your orange pie would do well as long as it's nicely orange and creamy but not too sour.

[Kristin Meredith]

Yes, I am wondering about the sour level myself.  Guess I will find out tonight.  I will post some photos and report back.  Thanks for all the thought s and feedback  These are always tough calls for me.

[Kristin Meredith]

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Family loved it, not too sour, nice orange flavor came through with some tang.  But I am not sold.  I will keep it on the short list for more testing.  Did not really try and do anything for decoration.  Would have to amp it up for a competition.

[TechMOGogy]

Looks great!
Dan

[Darwin]

After all those bites of rich meats i would prefer a contrasting taste and texture.  Raspberry and chocolate work well together and might bridge the gap.  Passion fruit and chocolate is one of my favorites.   

[riverrat49]

Kristin- Try a Dark Chocolate Genache on top of the Orange and use the Whip Cream to make accents... The Bitter Sweet will help counterbalance the sweet/sour kind of like a "Terry's Chocolate Orange"

 

Family loved it, not too sour, nice orange flavor came through with some tang.  But I am not sold.  I will keep it on the short list for more testing.  Did not really try and do anything for decoration.  Would have to amp it up for a competition.

[triplebq]

Nice looking desert.

[Kristin Meredith]

Kristin- Try a Dark Chocolate Genache on top of the Orange and use the Whip Cream to make accents... The Bitter Sweet will help counterbalance the sweet/sour kind of like a "Terry's Chocolate Orange"

 

Family loved it, not too sour, nice orange flavor came through with some tang.  But I am not sold.  I will keep it on the short list for more testing.  Did not really try and do anything for decoration.  Would have to amp it up for a competition.

Great suggestion, that may take it to the next level I was looking for.  Thanks.